The contractor handling the pipeline surveillance in the Isoko/Urhobo axis of Delta State, Zane Energy Nigeria Limited, has denied allegations of breach of contractual terms to ex-agitators and incidents of oil theft in its operational scope.
Reacting to accusations by a ‘coalition of Urhobo and Isoko ex-agitators’, the management of Zane Energy restated its commitment to ensuring that ‘crude oil theft remained a thing of the past’ in its area of operation, adding that it would not be distracted from the job of sustaining the peace despite sponsored blackmail.
The coalition had accused Zane Energy of implementing disparity in remunerations of ex-agitators, calling for a termination of the contract which it alleged was awarded to the former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, by proxy.
A statement titled ‘Re-Suppression of NNPCL Pipeline Surveillance Slots’, the company described the claims as ‘tragic lies and concocted stories’.
Signed by Oruma Oghenetega, the statement reads: “Coming at the twilight of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, when the atmosphere was dominated more by politics with little having changed even now, the pipeline surveillance contract will always be the attraction of groups that see the initiative as just an avenue to make money without commensurate attention to the task at hand.
“This is where the sad call by the Urhobo and Isoko ex-agitators group for the contract to be revoked belongs. But it is politics taken disingenuously too far. It has become imperative for our organisation to put the facts out, given that members of the group are motivated more by politics and their political sponsors.
“While our area of operation in Urhobo and Isoko is mainly in the upland area, others operate mainly in the creeks and other logistically more-challenging wet lands. Invariably, ours is in less-challenging terrains in the upland. What they do not know is that this difference in operational terrain was factored in at the point of awarding the contract.
“Contrary to the false allegation by the group that this has brought ‘so much hardship and restiveness to Urhobo and lsoko land’, our area of operation has remained peaceful with absolutely no incident of pipeline breach or vandalism since the exercise began. This is because we have remained faithful to the terms of the contract and paid our operatives as and when due.
“The false allusion that our organisation is owned by Senator Omo-Agege, which the group repeatedly used to anchor their call for the surveillance contract to be revoked, betrays its true status and drive of leadership. The former Deputy Senate President does not own our company. Apparently, the call patently revealed the fact that the group is being sponsored by persons and groups angling for the contract, and decided to tie Senator Omo-Agege’s name to give vent to their scheme.”
The firm restated that as it diligently undertakes the task of protecting the nation’s oil and gas assets, it will continue to review and upgrade the operational environment and remuneration of its personnel.